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Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember30 May 2019, 12:05 pm AEST

Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Identifying as being in a caring role, particularly as a male can be a little challenging at times. As our special guest @Greg_MenCareToo for this event from Men Care too mentions “Caring and nurture are characteristics not often associated with males but every man has a different experience and unique responsibilities in life. The same can be said when it comes to the caring role.”

We are really excited to make the most of the Topic Tuesday event to explore the feelings around identity, challenges and communication when it comes to being a male in a caring role or being a carer who understands the challenges and can offer those insights to others too.

We welcome all of the community, male or not to share their perspectives and insights!

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below.

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I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?

Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

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Throughout the session, the facilitator will put questions out for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the session, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong and everyone is welcome to get involved.

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

DeterminedSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:29 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Greg_MenCareToo for me lack of help seeking resulted in burn out and loss of full time employment.

One of my biggest barriers was in accepting all was not well with my darling and trusting others to support without forming ill opinions.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:30 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@MrDadI've found that starting the conversation with family or friends can sometimes help break the ice.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

MrDadContributor25 June 2019, 7:34 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Determined I know my closest friends have a good idea. It is still almost a taboo topic. I find that other than the professionals, friends and family want to know what is happening with he wife and kids and how they can help them. There just never seems to be time to talk about what that does to me and how I am going. They do enquire about my physical health since I have my own physical disability. The mental health aspects just go by the wayside.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

DeterminedSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:35 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Greg_MenCareToo

My family did not really understand until after my darling had a number of suicide attempts and extended hospital stay .

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:37 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@JMRD Agree 100% sometimes opening up to someone can be hard and I've had times where the other person just didn't know how to respond. Made us both uncomfortable Sometime it feels easier to figure things out yourself.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember25 June 2019, 7:40 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

So much great insight shared so far everyone - thank you. Lets keep going onto our next talking point:

Caring for someone else can feel like it's taking over your whole life and becoming 'who you are' - how do you find balance and make sure you are keeping your identity and purpose outside your caring role?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Greg_MenCareTooSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:42 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Determined having these conversations is a good way to feel more comfortable talking about these topics and hopefully that can flow into 'real life' if you get what I mean?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

DeterminedSenior Contributor25 June 2019, 7:42 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Greg_MenCareToo the first person outside if family I really opened up to was a work supervisor. Shortly after one of darlings attempts and hospitalization I was asked how the family was. I started off with the usual recorded message about yeah we are all doing great. The had a bit of a melt down and admitted actually no life sux at the moment and explanation of what was happening. What a huge relief to admit that .

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember25 June 2019, 7:43 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

Welcome @Adge - sorry to hear about the physical injuries you have experienced. I can imagine that it must be a bit conflicting having to deal with those assumptions.

While we can't speak to the experiences of the carer workforce specifically we can definiately understand the trouble that can be had when feeling judged unfairly around being a male caring for others. How do you find it when communicating to friends and family about being in a caring role?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

NinoCasual Contributor25 June 2019, 7:44 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Being a male in a caring role // Tues 25 June, 7pm AEST

@Former-Member Ironically, in terms of identity, I study and work in the helping professions and find that it has helped me better understand myself as a person and the one I care for

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